Wincanton, the largest British logistics company, has launched W² Labs – a new programme aimed at challenging startups from around the world to develop innovative solutions to industry challenges defined by the Wincanton Group.

Run in partnership with L Marks, the corporate innovation specialist and early-stage investor, startups are invited to apply to work with Wincanton across five categories.

Improving asset utilisation – improving the management of both internal and customer assets.

Wildcard – this is an open category for ideas that could help Wincanton make breakthrough developments in its business model or supply chain market.

Selected startups will develop their business proposition with Wincanton and will receive intensive business mentoring from the company’s Senior Executives.

Adrian Colman, Wincanton CEO, said of the W² Labs launch: “We see new technologies transforming the way the logistics industry works and there has never been a better time to innovate in the sector. That’s why we want to work with the best start-up businesses from around the world to help us to exploit the possibilities of the digital supply chain.”

Stuart Marks, technology entrepreneur and Chairman of L Marks, said: “Innovation in the sector has been limited to a few large players but Wincanton’s commitment to W² Labs demonstrates the company’s desire to lead the challenge and find new ways to innovate. I’m excited that L Marks will be joining Wincanton on this journey to discover and work with some incredible startups.”

Timing: Applications for W² Labs are open until 9 April 2017, with the best entries invited to pitch in late spring. A 10-week intensive collaboration period between Wincanton and the selected start-ups will then follow, with concepts being demonstrated at the end of the process. At this stage, the concepts could be progressed on a longer-term commercial basis by the W² Labs partners. Sounds interesting? Apply now!